CEREMONIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND RESOURCES
World War I hostilities were formally ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 with the signing of an Armistice with Germany. On May 13, 1938, a Congressional Act proclaimed November 11 to be Armistice Day as a “day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace…” Following World War II, it was expanded to honor all veterans. On June 1, 1954, the holiday was officially renamed “Veteran’s Day.” The following ceremonies will be held on Saturday, November 11, unless otherwise noted:
Paso Robles District Cemetery at 45 Nacimiento Lake Drive
Annual ceremony at 11 a.m. Program features an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, welcome, guest speaker, patriotic songs, fly-over, closing prayer, honor guard and Taps. Flags are placed at all identified veteran’s graves by American Legion Post 50 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10965. If your veteran’s grave is missed, flags are available in the office. Volunteers needed for set up of Avenue of Flags at 7 a.m. and removal by 3:30 p.m. Call 238-4544 to volunteer. The Cemetery will provide coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Chapel will provide a complimentary hot dog lunch.
Atascadero Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial, 8038 Portola Road at Morro Road
Master of Ceremonies Dick Mason of KPRL will begin ceremonies at 11 a.m. Marlon Varin will sing National Anthem and patriotic songs. Chaplain Pastor Steve Shively of Refuge Church. Guest Speaker: Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Nelson Cobleigh, who flew 375 combat missions in the Vietnam War, was decorated with two Distinguished Flying Crosses and the Air Medal and is a former pilot instructor, Intelligence Officer (CIA) and published author. Cal Poly ROTC cadet color guard. Taps by County Clerk-Recorder Tommy Gong with sons Darin and Derek. Flyover by Estrella Warbirds Freedom Flight. Assistance by Grizzly Academy cadets, Explorers, Scouts and church youth groups. Kiwanis Club barbecue to follow. Parking available in Atascadero Lake parking lot. Handicapped parking near the Memorial. Call Al Fonzi at (805) 423-5482.
Lillian Larsen School in San Miguel at 1601 L Street will honor the active and retired military at 8:30 am on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Don Wolf gymnasium. Parking spaces will be reserved for honored guests in the front parking lot. Please RSVP by November 6 at (805) 467-3216. Refreshments will be served.
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES FOR VETERANS
National Guard Assistance
Family Assistance Coordinator for local National Guard families is Dei Gapinski. She is committed to assistance whether loved ones are deployed or families recently
assigned to a base need help getting settled. Call (805) 896-4029 or email fascamproberts@gmail.com.
American Legion Post #50 Paso Robles
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919. It is the nation’s largest wartime service organization for veterans. In Paso Robles, meetings are held every fourth Tuesday at the Veterans Center, 240 Scott St. They collect medical mobility supplies such as wheel chairs and walkers to give to needy patients. Donations accepted. Call 239-7370 for information. Veterans’ medical shuttle transportation to hospitals and clinics as far as Santa Maria available by appointment. For reservations, call the dispatch center at (805) 354-6000.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10965
VFW was organized in 1899 when men returning from the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) found they had no benefits, rights or services — including no health care — for their service. The VFW mission is “to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.” The VFW mission is to “Ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.” The Paso Robles VFW meets on first Wednesdays at the Veterans Center, 240 Scott St. in Paso Robles. Call (805) 239-7370.
Templeton American Legion Post #220
Meetings are held twice monthly at the Legion Hall on south Main Street. For information call Commander Larry Mora at (805) 441-0151. For hall rentals, call Legion Property Manager Loretta Mazzo at (805) 610-2708.
Support for Troops Overseas
Although troops deployed to far outposts in foreign lands are given basic items, they are constantly in need of supplementary necessities. Two groups in the county that support troops in need of supplemntary needs: Si Tenenberg of troopcarepacks.org sends donated goods to Afghanistan; Go online or call (805) 234-3101. Quota International of Morro Bay also collects and mails donations. Call DeLynn Guttry at (805) 458-4113.
Mighty Oaks Foundation
Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs were established in 2011 in Spring, Texas, by a family who found their struggles with the challenges of severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were helped by their church pastor and mentors. Faith-based, intensive programs are led by experienced peers at SkyRose Lodge, north of San Miguel, plus other nationwide outposts.
Men, women and couples share instructional sessions and enjoy camaraderie and team-building activities. Fully sponsored travel arrangements, meals and lodging help focus on recovery. Any current military members or veterans struggling with reintegration, PTSD or combat trauma who would like to rebuild their lives with strength, courage and purpose are encouraged to attend. Program alumni are encouraged to participate or help others. Visit Mighty Oaks Foundation on Facebook or at mightyoaksprograms.org.
